“He does not age” is the ultimate adventure film for Christopher Nolan: we haven’t done better for 60 years

News culture “He does not age” is the ultimate adventure film for Christopher Nolan: we haven’t done better for 60 years

Christopher Nolan: a “physical” cinema master

Renowned to be a fervent defender of a “physical” cinema, Christopher Nolan regularly insists on the importance of material support to preserve the artistic integrity of films. He also considers that the physical versions of his works represent permanent editions, offering minimal compression and precise control over crucial elements such as color and brightness. This approach is also reflected in its filmography, rich in ambitious and technically demanding productions. For the realization of Oppenheimer, he drew his inspiration from classics of the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s, looking for innovative practical solutions for special effects. His attention to details and his respect for film crafts are reflected in his choices and inspirations.

Lawrence of Arabia: an adventure cinema monument

The film that Christopher Nolan Envant is Lawrence of Arabia, a biographical fresco released in 1962 produced by the legendary David Lean which is unanimously recognized as one of the most important figures in British cinema. He distinguished himself by the direction of grandiose epics such as the Kwai river bridge, Doctor Jivago, Ryan’s daughter and India’s route. His journey started as an editor in the early 1930s, before he made his first film in 1942. D. Lean was appointed seven times to the Oscar for best director, winning the statuette twice for the Kwai river bridge and Lawrence of Arabia. The latter adapts for the big screen the autobiographical story of Te Lawrence, the seven pillars of wisdom, published in 1926. He traces Lawrence’s experiences in the Ottoman provinces of Hedjaz and Syria during the First World War, including significant assaults against Aqaba and Damascus.

The work is interested in Lawrence’s emotional struggles in the face of the violence of the war, its quest for identity, and its loyalty shared between Great Britain and the Arab tribes which it has joined. The casting is carried by memorable performances: Peter O’Toole in the title role and Alec Guinness in Prince Fayçal. Although widely praised for its epic scope, its performance and its “dazzling” cinematography, the film has also been the subject of criticism concerning certain historical inaccuracies. Despite this, The work was crowned with success, winning seven Oscars, including those of the best film and the best director. The film was restored in 1989 under the supervision of David Lean in person. In 2012, a new 4K/8K restoration was produced, to which Steven Spielberg and Martin Scorsese contributed. Christopher Nolan himself shares the general enthusiasm for this classic (see the Konbini club video With Christopher Nolan and Cillian Murphy):

To find innovative practical effects, effects that we also looked for to “Oppenheimer”, you have to go back to see films from that time. – Christopher Nolan

This one too, right? – Cillian Murphy

Ah yes, “Lawrence of Arabia”. Incredible, a reference in adventure cinema. Finally, it is a biographical film, but it does not seem. He is simply a masterpiece. – Christopher Nolan

And then there is photography. – Cillian Murphy

Photography is amazing, and assembly too. The change of plan between the match and on which Lawrence blows and the horizon is one of the most striking of all time. And he does not age. – Christopher Nolan

This ability to remain relevant and visually powerful of decades after its release is what, according to Christopher Nolan, makes Lawrence d’Arabia an unbeatable milestone of adventure cinema. The persistence of his influence on renowned contemporary filmmakers, including Steven Spielberg who considers him as his favorite film and his primary inspiration, confirms his classic status in the history of the 7th art.

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